The online hack combined with Saturday’s bomb scare that prompted an evacuation of Terminal 2 caused severe issues over the weekend.

The cascading crisis began on friday night when Collins Aerospace – which provides the check-in and boarding software used by airports in London, Brussels and Berlin – was targeted by a suspected cyber attack, resulting in delays to flights.

Some airlines in Dublin were still checking in passengers manually yesterday amid the continued disruption and at least 13 flights in or out of Dublin that used Terminal 2 were cancelled.

Dublin Airport Evacuated After Suspicious Device Found

An estimated 12,000 people were evacuated from Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 for approximately 90 minutes on Saturday afternoon after a suspicious device was discovered in a passenger’s luggage, prompting the highest level of security response.

The evacuation commenced at 11.40am, with thousands of passengers directed to set-down areas outside the terminal buildings while gardaí and the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team investigated the luggage.

Ryanair Flights Experience Disruptions Due to French Air Traffic Control Strike

Ryanair flights experienced significant disruptions on September 22, 2025, due to a strike by French air traffic controllers. While the airline stated that the “vast majority of flights have continued to operate,” numerous cancellations and delays impacted travelers across Europe. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the impact of industrial action on air travel.

Strike Details and Impact

French air traffic controllers initiated a nationwide strike on September 22, 2025, demanding improved working conditions and higher wages. The strike led to the implementation of flight restrictions, requiring airlines to cancel or reroute flights that woudl have used French airspace. Ryanair, a major carrier in Europe, was particularly affected due to its extensive network operating to and from France, and overflying French airspace.

While Ryanair maintained that most flights continued as scheduled, passengers experienced considerable inconvenience. Reports indicated cancellations primarily affected routes to and from French airports, and also flights that would have traversed French airspace. Delays were widespread across the network.

Ryanair’s Response and Passenger Rights

Ryanair issued a statement acknowledging the disruptions and attributing them directly to the French air traffic control strike. The airline stated it was working to minimize the impact on passengers, but acknowledged that cancellations were unavoidable. Ryanair encouraged passengers to check the status of their flights on its website or app before traveling to the airport.

Passengers whose flights were cancelled or significantly delayed are entitled to certain rights under EU Regulation 261/2004. These rights include:

• Right to Care: Passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments, and accommodation if the cancellation causes an overnight stay.
• Right to Reimbursement: Passengers can choose to receive a full refund for their ticket.
• Right to Re-routing: Passengers can be re-routed to their final destination at the earliest chance.
• Compensation: Passengers may be entitled to financial compensation, depending on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay. AirHelp provides detailed information on EU261 compensation.

Broader Implications for Air Travel

This strike is the latest in a series of disruptions to air travel caused by industrial action and staffing shortages. The incident underscores the vulnerability of the aviation industry to external factors and the potential for widespread disruption.It also raises questions about the adequacy of air traffic control staffing levels and the need for improved labor relations.

Recent Air Travel Disruptions

Throughout 2024 and early 2025, several major airlines experienced disruptions due to strikes and staffing issues. These included:

• Lufthansa Strikes (2024): Multiple strikes by Lufthansa ground staff caused significant delays and cancellations.
• EasyJet Staffing Shortages (2024): EasyJet faced challenges due to staffing shortages, leading to flight cancellations.

Key Takeaways

• A French air traffic control strike on September 22, 2025, caused significant disruptions to Ryanair flights.
• While Ryanair stated most flights operated, numerous cancellations and delays occurred.
• passengers affected by cancellations or delays are entitled to rights under EU Regulation 261/2004.
• The incident highlights the vulnerability of air travel to external factors and the need for improved industry resilience.

Looking ahead, passengers are advised to stay informed about potential disruptions and to check with their airlines for the latest updates. The aviation industry will need to address the underlying issues contributing to these disruptions to ensure a more reliable travel experience for passengers.